India, the third worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic in the world after the United States and Brazil, reported a record surge of 78,761 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking country’s Covid tally past 35 lakh.
As per the Union Health Ministry data this is the highest single-day jump in Covid infections reported by any country since the beginning of the pandemic. Earlier, on July 17, the USA had recorded 77,638 cases in a day. In the last 24 hours, 948 deaths were registered due to the pandemic, taking the total number of fatalities to 63,498. In the last one week India has registered over five lakh cases.
In the last 24 hours, highest number of fresh cases and the highest number of death have recorded in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Under the new guidelines announced by the government on Saturday, the MHA order allows certain phased re-opening of activities. The new order continues to extend lockdown in containment zones till September 30. Metro rail will be allowed to operate from September 7 in a graded manner. There will be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods and no separate permission or e-permits will be required. Social, political, academic, sports, religious and other functions will be allowed with a limit of 100 people as part of the new rules from September 21. Schools, colleges, swimming pools and indoor theatres will remain closed. From September 21, outside containment zones, States/ UTs may permit upto 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching/ tele- counselling and related work. International air travel except as permitted by MHA, to remain suspended. “Unlock4” phase will be in effect till September 30.